About me

My philosophy I am a Chartered and Registered Counselling Psychologist who adopts a pluralistic framework based on the premise that no one therapeutic approach is superior, and different clients are likely to benefit from different therapeutic methods at different points in time. The pluralistic position puts the client and their needs at the centre of therapy and is based on working collaboratively. I honestly believe that people are experts of themselves but with help from trained professionals they can have a better understanding of themselves and the reason(s) for their behaviours, which can help them to make changes to their lives, be the best person they can be and fulfil their potential.

The therapeutic Process Within therapy changes takes place in the context of the therapeutic relationship, therefore it is essential for me to have a good working alliance with clients for them to feel safe enough to be able to explore their difficulties. This is why I provide a warm, empathic, and non-judgemental atmosphere where clients are given unconditional positive regard. The therapeutic endeavour has to be collaborative, this is why it is important not just for me to feel a connection with clients but clients also have to feel that they can work with me. This is why I use the first 2-3 sessions for assessment for us to both decide whether we feel that we can work together. From the assessment an agreed formulation of the targeted problem will be decided with clients, so that an appropriate treatment plan can be developed if we decide to continue working together. If there are multiple problems I will collaboratively decide with the client the initial focus for therapy.

My therapeutic approach Psychological difficulties arise through different means; consequently I believe we needed an array of theoretical and methodological approaches to address individual needs. This is why I think it is important to have an integrative approach to therapy, so that I can tailor interventions to the individual needs and not adopt the idea that one therapeutic approach is suitable to all. I have been trained in Psychodynamic, CBT, Person-Centred Therapy, and Mentalization Based Therapy frameworks, which make my practice integrative and provide different lenses from which I can conceptualise clients’ difficulties. In addition to drawing on multiple evidence-based therapeutic approaches, I also adopt a relational focus, which means that I use the therapeutic relationship as a base for understanding clients’ relational and dynamical issues that might be the main problem or an exacerbating factor. I would describe my therapeutic style as creative and innovative because I try to figure out what works for the individual client and implement this, whether it be a single or integrative approach.

Training, qualifications & experience

Training and Experience My integrative training includes psychodynamic, humanistic and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) approaches to therapy with a relational focus. Being able to draw on a number of theoretical perspectives means I can adapt to clients’ needs and have a range of methodologies at my disposal. Consequently, I am able to work with most difficulties that are brought to therapy.

I have worked in mental health for a total of 15 years since completing my undergraduate degree. In addition, I have worked in a variety of settings during my training as a Counselling Psychologist and since qualifying in 2015, which include both the private sector and the NHS. I have also worked in Secondary Care, secure services and rehabilitation units with a wide range of client groups and diagnoses including: psychosis, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, depressive illnesses, relationship difficulties, and drug and alcohol related issues. I also work with people experiencing difficulties with sleep, stress, attachment, anger, self-esteem, bereavement, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, amongst other difficulties. I most recently completed the Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT) training facilitated by Professor Anthony Bateman at the Anna Freud Centre. I have over two years’ experience facilitating both MBT individual and group therapy.

I have experience of conducting an array of psychological assessments and writing accompanying reports. These include cognitive assessment, risk assessments, personality assessments, trauma assessment, and a variety of psychometrics relevant to secure and rehabilitation services. Working in secure and rehabilitation services have given me good knowledge of the Mental Health Act, the Mental Capacity Act, and other mental health legislations.

Qualifications • BSc Psychology with Criminology • Practitioner Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (DPsych). Professional Registration

I am chartered by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and hold full membership of the BPS division of Counselling Psychology. I am also registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Fees

Additional information

These fees apply to both therapy and supervision:

Face to face session: £100

Skype and Telephone sessions: £90

Session duration: 50 minutes

Further information

Services Provided

I offer short and long term face-to-face therapy
I can provide telephone and Skype therapy upon request
I provide Supervision for trainee Counselling Psychologist and therapists
I practice in the Shoreditch area within walking distance from Shoreditch High Street and Liverpool Street Stations
I am available for both day and evening sessions Mondays to Wednesday

Dr Alecia Anderson